wings and things

I am so cool!

I feel the heat terribly and, as some of my friends may remember, a couple of summers ago, I developed a condition called “pompholyx“.

(Warning: if you click on the above link you might be grossed out by the pictures, just as I was by the condition).

Anyway, since one of the triggers is excessive perspiration, which I vividly remember my dad having and now it’s obviously my turn, I made a big decision. Air conditioning!

I pretty much live in my writing room, which used to be Gar’s bedroom (Anthony’s mother). Anyway, her 1970s air conditioner died last year, so last week I made the call and the aircon. guys and the electrician installed it this morning. It’s not a particularly hot day (only in the mid-20s C), but as I waved my saviours goodbye, I was already dripping, despite wearing a sweatband.

And now? Ahhh, the bliss of being so cool and the comfort of knowing that when the temperature hits 40 degrees (any time soon as summer approaches), I will have a safe haven! Okay so, in the big scheme of things, pompholyx may not seem like such a serious condition but it drove me quite mad for months a couple of years ago.

I was reminding our doctor the other day and he immediately looked at my hands where, during a funny little heatwave last week, the blisters had begun to appear.

Me: You can’t see them now – I scratched them off and it wasn’t that bad.

Doctor: Mmmmm.

Me: But I can feel them coming back – the blisters. So I think I might need botox to stop me sweating? I read about that possibility.

Doctor: No. I’ll order some blood tests; it could be hormonal.

Me: Yes, of course, but I don’t think it’s just menopausalish because I perspire a hell of a lot more than any of my equally menopausal friends!

Doctor: Mmmmm.

Me: And remember how we discussed cranio-facial hyper-hydrosis, or whatever you call it, last year? That’s me! It’s just my face, head and hands – the rest of me sweats normally.

Doctor: Mmmmm.

Okay so the doctor doesn’t do the mmmmmm thing loudly but it’s definitely a component of our conversations, with a chuckle here and there. I much prefer the mmmmm.

Anyway, as the young aircon. guys were leaving, I apologised for the peacock noise (it’s spring, so they are yaaaaawking constantly). One of the guys said ‘They are so cool!’

I agree and here are a couple of shots of Prince minus his back view!

As this beautiful white peacock does his twirling, fanning, wonderful dance, his feathers muscle their way into the breeze and sing:

Just love that white peacock Prince. So cool!
I always smile when people say ‘cool’ – it must be an age thing as I never say it.

I’ve had my reverse cycle air conditioner on and off today. I get terribly hot in this new apartment even though it doesn’t get direct sun. I have been sleeping in the raw for weeks. (note: my old flat was freezing cold all year round but delightful in summer).

Glad to hear you have got some more aircon. – I think we all need it in summer in Australia.

That’s wonderful about the A/C, Julie. We had a very hot summer here and I survive by running mine a lot! It’s worth every penny. It “freeze” me up to concentrate on writing, too. I’m glad you’ve figured out how to keep that pompholyx condition at bay. Taking care of yourself is so important! Caregivers must care for themselves, too. 🙂

I’m glad that you now have a ‘safe cool place’… While I don’t break out into such a condition as you have which has to be very painful and disconcerting; with having M.S. high temperatures have an affect on me also; we are fortunate to be able to have central air so there is respite whenever I need it also.. Diane

How on earth did people survive before air conditioning, ok I do know they would sweat and complain a lot my parents got air conditioning as soon as they became available they were the first people in the street to have an air conditioner in the house and in the car they are great and my parents wouldn’t live without it. We have had ours in the kitchen, the only window we could get on in for so many years I can’t remember how long it is big 2hp one when we got it we looked at split systems but they cost a few thousand and we couldn’t afford it at the time.

Oh Jules…I’m sorry (and by the way…I’m a fellow over sweater) but your mmmmm-ing doc has me chuckling. Is it because he’s not inclined to believe you? Is it because he’s thinking? What? Anyway…I’m so happy you have your cool on now, and finger’s crossed those bloody blister stay away!!! Love you….think of you all the time. xoxox

oh i love air conditioning!! as i have gotten older it has become an absolute necessity. a couple of years ago i had an allergic reaction but i wasn’t sure to what. it was summer and i was so miserable!! to think i would have to go through that another summer would be enough to send me over the edge:)